Clean eating and parties can mix

Wednesday: Body Pump (30 minutes), CXworx (30 minutes). I was sore for days after these two rump-kicking classes.

Thursday: 8 miles, marathon pace run with my training group. Was nice to feel what this would be like on legs so sore that I could barely walk and bend (from Wednesday's class).

Pre-run warm-up.

Friday: More strength training with one of the gym trainers. He set up a circuit for us, and it almost helped alleviate the soreness from Wednesday. Wednesday tells me that I should do strength training more than once a quarter.

Saturday: 14.62 in 2:08. Faster than I was hoping to run. Oops. But I cut it short of the 15 on my schedule to make up for it. I'm pretty sure that's not how that works, but I was excited to prove to my family that I could be home from a long run before 9 a.m. As a reward, they made brown rice pancakes with honey on top for me to enjoy in my ice bath.

Adding these to my gluten-free rotation.

And look what came in the mail this week. Newtons! I've been wanting to try these out ever since I saw them from across a crowded expo. Probably because bright orange was involved. But also because one of my PTs runs in them and loves them a ton. These are the Distance model, and they weigh 6.8 oz., like a feather on my foot.

Other than breaking in some new shoes, my goal for this upcoming week is to get more of this.

How I found them at the gym childcare one day.

And to fit in some more cousin dates.

And some quality time with Costco.

And on the food front, I had some major clean eating successes this weekend. First, I went to a birthday party where the fabulous hostess made gluten/dairy/sugar-free eats to share with me. It was so relaxing to go to a party and know that you will actually be able to eat.

Brown rice pasta with perfectly herby marinara.

And gluten/dairy/sugar-free cupcakes (minus the candy corns)! I had two, and the kids at the party were downing them faster than Galen Rupp downs indoor miles. More proof that clean eating does not mean disgusting eating.

J is for Jack. Happy birthday, dude!

Then we rocked the Super Bowl snacks with homemade corn chips and guacamole.

And an assortment put together by my daughter. Minus the crackers, I can eat everything pictured. Super Bowl success.

That game had me all shaky and nervous because I bet on Miss Zippy's blog that the 49ers would win, and if they didn't, I had to run the point differential. In case you didn't know, at one point that was over 20 points/miles. I was choking on my corn chips every time the Ravens scored. This was the only football game I watched this season (preparing to be kicked out of the state of Alabama for admitting that), and I was only fully invested in watching it because it somehow tied back to running. There's probably some type of Alabama state fine for that type of football blasphemy. In case you've never been to AL, football here is almost bigger than Jesus, and Jesus has some serious street cred.

What do you think of Newtons? When I tried them on, my daughter gasped and shouted that they had the best colors of any running shoe I own. She's got pretty decent fashion sense, so I'm feeling super cool now that she approves. But I want to take my Newton relationship slow because they have such a low drop.

Ever been to a party where you couldn't/didn't partake of the treats? Sad times.

Which treats did you down during the Super Bowl? Or did you not watch it? We love the snack part of the Super Bowl. My husband actually kept trying to turn the channel during the last quarter, but I was really freaked out about my Miles of Shame bet and made him turn it back. I'll still be running three miles, in shame, tomorrow, but that's way better than 20+.

Love your new runners, turquoise and orange are my fav. colours!! We know NOTHING about the Superbowl here in Australia, except what I read on blogs:) Those cupcakes looked divine, were those the sugar free dairy free ones??

Nice work on the clean eats! Those cupcakes actually look really good!! :DI wore Newtons for over 2 years and while I loved them, I think they caused me more problems than they were worth. I had a calf injury last summer that I suspect was a result of the Newtons (that's when I switched to Mizuno) I think if you're super diligent about stretching and strengthening your calves, that will help.

Thanks for the tip! I had a calf injury last summer due to running on the beach (I tore a calf muscle), so this is good to know about the Newtons. I'm in the market for a new running shoe, so I'll have to keep this in mind.

It's awesome to see all the treats you could eat and stay clean. Hmm, you are slowly whittling away at the excuses I use to eat all the junk in the world. :) Love the gym naptime! Did you leave them there and go for a few more miles??

Those cupcakes look seriously delicious! I've seen Newtons mentioned on other blogs; they might be something I should look into more. I'm a vegetarian and I often go to parties where the selection is limited (these are usually parties that are not family parties or where I'm the only vegetarian). I've gotten into the habit of eating before I go out. I was really diligent during the game because I watched it by myself. I did a Pinterest strength workout tailored to the Super Bowl for the first half and ended up going out for the second half, where I had a couple margaritas and some chips and dips. Nothing too crazy. Beyonce killed the half time show!

Yum, lots of good eats in your post, it's making me hungry! I used to run in Newtons and still like them, but can't remember why I switched to the Brooks Pure Line. I love the new colors of the Distance model, I just might have to go back to them. I hope you like them, because they sure are pretty!

I love new shoes! I need to be brave and try other brands. I'm such a suacony girl. That bet with Misszippy sounds intriguing. I'm glad you didn't have to run 20 miles. That would have been no fun yet would have been good for your upcoming trail marathon!

Good job on eating clean. I'm trying to be better at it this month. So far so good :)

I love those shoes. What do you mean low drop? AS for the food at the party what an awesome friend you must have . Ha Ha , it's easy and yummy to make things diary and wheat and sugar free. and for you my sweet friend the world,

I tried Newtons once. They feel pretty good. I just can't bring myself to buy a pair due to my strict 'shoes must be on sale to purchase policy'. And pancakes in the bathtub is genius. A tip of the hat to you on that one :D!

I have never tried Newtons but have heard lots of good things about them. I did not hold back for the Superbowl this time around. My grandma cooked and I indulged. Good job on sticking to clean eating!

I have tried Newtons on and did a test run in them, but could not mesh with them. I may try them again sometime. I have gone to events where there are no clean eats or lots of alcohol and I simply would pull out one of my Picky Bars or try to find the thing closest to what I can eat there. LOL!!! I do admit I feel a bit like the party pooper not drinking alcohol though, but I am sure I will get used to it. I actually do not watch the Superbowl, but my hubby does. I am a hockey girl!! I worked until 7 pm delivering babies and then came home, tucked the kids in since hubby was watching the game, and then hid in my bedroom to watch Elementary. LOL!! I did hear my husband yelling at the t.v. though.:)

I have Newtons and so far I love them. I have the Lady Isaacs because I'm still trying to train myself not to heal strike. I also want to try the Brooks Pure. Thanks for sharing all the food pics/ideas. Love new ideas (need to try brown rice pasta)We had homemade salsa, guacamole, crab cakes,& cheesy artichoke wonton cups .

The photo of your boys at childcare is priceless!I adore Newtons. I have two pairs that I walk the dog in and wear around to look cool! My husband started running in them a few months ago and loves them!